New stuff I like

As you know I am quite a P.D James fan, and finally a new book has come out. I haven't had a new book written by her to read since 2005 when The Lighthouse came out. I am hoping they will make the movie to go along with that as most of her books have had a movie made from them. I shall have many hours of reading to look forward to wit this new novel. Her books are complex, multi - layered with characters who are anything but ordinary. P.D. James manages to bring in all the elements of mystery and murder, but refrains from excess gore. Detail is there, but not the excessive horror some writers put in their books. She is not afraid to put in some adult topics so if you want mysteries which don't broach anything close to that, stick to Agatha Christie type books where the stories and plot are more simple. However I find even with those themes, I can still enjoy the novels because they are tastefully written. I plan on doing a review of what I thought of the book after I have completed it.-Stay tuned for that..

This November one of my favorite music artists who is featured on this page brought out a new CD, like PD James Enya only produces a new work every few years so a new one from her is welcome too. And Winter Came is a Christmas themed CD, although not every song has a Christmas feel to it. I have listened to it a few times and find it very enjoyable. I plan to listen to it more during the Christmas season. If you like New Age, then you will like this CD. I am always on the lookout for things I like to have new editions or albums. Well I am off to tuck into my book. .

Transitions- a poem

The Summer's sun has flitted away fast
the leaves on the trees are falling,
First one, then the last
An election year has come and gone two men raced and one man won
A sprinkling of snow is on the mountain tops
All the farmers are rounding up their crops
Soon winter will be here, thoughts of cocoa, and Christmas, cookies, will be in our mind, transitions of seasons, of leaders and time all important, and none cost us a dime.

November's Recipe

Normally, I am not a fan of things made with pumpkin, but this
recipe sounded interesting...

Pumpkin Cheesecake


For the Crust
2 cups graham cracker crumbs (from 14 graham crackers)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling
1 .25-ounce envelope unflavored gelatin
1 8-ounce bar cream cheese, at room temperature
1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
1 cup sour cream
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Make the Crust
Heat oven to 400° F. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter. Transfer to a 9-inch springform pan. Using a straight-sided dry measuring cup, press the mixture into the bottom and 2 inches up the sides of the pan. Bake until set, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool.

Make and Chill the Filling
Sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup boiling water. Let stand, stirring occasionally, until dissolved, about 5 minutes.

Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the pumpkin, sour cream, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla. Mix in the gelatin mixture until incorporated.

Pour the mixture into the crust and refrigerate, covered, until firm, at least 2 hours and up to 2 days.

Yield: Makes 8 servings

Our trip to London Markets SLC

Ever since Simon left Britain 2 1/2 years ago, he has longed for certain foods of home. In Salt Lake City, across from Trolley Square are 2 British shops. Today we went into London Markets. This shop sells a bevvy of British Foods, from drinks to custard mixes to kippers as well as British souvenirs. Simon and I have decided we would make a monthly or every two months trip so we can have the goodies we loved so much in England. There is a definite difference in taste in certain things. For instance, the chocolate tastes different. I like many kinds of chocolate but my husband prefers British or German. This shop is really cool. Granted the prices are not very cheap, you pay what is the difference in currency between American and British. However its a fun shop and we enjoyed ourselves. Next time we shall check out the teashop/bakery.

Our week with Chad

My brother Chad has been visiting us this week, also a new member of the Everett family has been born, My brother Denny and his wife have a new baby boy Jonah. During this week Chad has gotten to be with us and we have done a lot of fun stuff. One of the things which my Dad, Joe, Chad and I did was hike in a place called Snell Canyon in Salem. It was a rough hike. We hiked for at least 7 hours and the trail badly needs to be maintained. We went over and under big logs, through tons of bushes and shrubbery, loose rocks and and over many, many leaves. Pictures are at the bottom of this post. My folks didnt think I could do it. However, I did!
I got all the way up to the top and all the way down with no major injuries, just a couple of blisters. I have hiked several times throughout my life. This hike was the toughest though. On our way down we saw the Dream mine part of which is seen above. The people who live around it, sure do keep to themselves, they don't like people coming up there ( even though for us we didnt know that till we got down there) There is a story behind the mine and that can be found on the Internet. We saw a couple of other mines on the way down also. The sheer beauty of the valley was amazing. Another place we went, was Cascade Springs, in the Unita National Park, pictured here. All of our family went,( of our immediate family) including all the nieces and nephews with the exception of Catherine and the new baby. (Pictures will be posted soon) We had a nice time, it was also nice because Simon got to be with us also. My nieces and nephews had a blast at the springs. I enjoyed them also although due to hiking the day before I was quite sore.
Nevertheless, it was a very nice day.
After going to the Springs, we watched the BYU game against UNLV. We won!
After the game we had our first annual Silly Chilli night which was very fun. Back in my ward in Odenton, quite some years back we had a Silly Chilli night as a ward activity and several ward members shared their talents and silly acts, one was my dad and if I am not mistaken, my brother Joe preformed then too. Its been a very nice week with Chad, I wish he was allowed more time off. He will be away for a year on a Army assignment. We hope he will not have to be away too long.

Inspirational thought

"God does notice us, and he watches over us. But its usually through another mortal that he meets out needs. Therefore it is vital that we serve one another."
Spencer W Kimball.


There have been many times when this statement has been true in my life. I have been blessed with friends and family who have been close to me and have watched over me. There have been times when I have been faced with trials, even the possibility of death. I know that without the faith of others praying and fasting for my welfare and behalf I would not be here today. I know its impossible to repay all the kindness and service which others have done for me throughout the years, but I hope to do my best. Most of all I am grateful that we do have a Heavenly father who loves and watches over us. He sent us Son who gave his life for all of us and to me, that is the greatest act of service anyone could do. In a world where so many people try to shut religion out, and become more and more absorbed in their own self importance, its important to dare to buck that trend, and be a light and example to others. A kind word goes far, a kind deed can change lives.

Recipe of the Month

I am by no means a chef but I do like to cook... looking through the latest issue of Real Simple which I like I found a new twist on spaghetti...

Spaghetti with bacon and eggs- Serves 4 ( double ingrediants to serve more)

1/2 pound of spaghetti
8 slices of bacon
4 large eggs
Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper

Cook spaghetti as normal. Keep a 1/2 cup of the water after pasta is cooked ( don't throw that part away) Meanwhile cook bacon in a skillet until crisp. Let cool then break into pieces. Remove and set aside

Cook eggs until whites are set but yolks runny.

Toss pasta with bacon and Parmesan, salt and pepper and the water saved from the pasta.

Place the pasta now mixed in bowls and top with the eggs. Sprinkle Parmesan on top